Would you like to be part of the
BFF Beta Brigade
to help BFF authors
as they polish their stories?
What is Beta Reading?
Beta Reading is reading a manuscript - before it has gone through professional editing - noting, as a reader, what works for you and what doesn't.
It is not about your knowledge of the craft of writing or rules of grammar.
Beta Reading is reading a manuscript - before it has gone through professional editing - noting, as a reader, what works for you and what doesn't.
It is not about your knowledge of the craft of writing or rules of grammar.
Who are Beta Readers?
Beta Readers are passionate readers who are prepared to
Beta Readers are passionate readers who are prepared to
- read a manuscript in an unpolished form
- provide honest, respectful feedback
- in a timely fashion
What qualifications do I need to be a Beta Reader?
- Beta Readers should love to read and have a sincere desire to help writers create better books.
- Ideally, Beta Readers should be avid readers of the book's genre.
- Beta Readers should only take on a book if they have time to read and report back in a timely manner.
- Beta Readers should be generous with their thoughtful feedback.
What do I need to do as a Beta Reader?
Beta Readers should be prepared to read and report back on such issues as:
Beta Readers should be prepared to read and report back on such issues as:
- confusing sentences or plot points
- where your attention wavers
- whether you find the characters/dialogue believable, likeable, sympathetic, etc.
Top 5 Tips for Responding to an Author:
1. Be honest -
Be prepared to answer the author's questions clearly but constructively, even if your response is critical or negative. They're asking because they want and need to know.
2. Be thoughtful -
Mean what you say, say what you mean, but don't say it mean!
The Beta Reader's role is to provide constructive criticism without being deliberately or carelessly hurtful. "Your plot is dreadful," or "I thought your main character was absolutely idiotic" may leave the author feeling hurt and defensive, and it won't tell them, specifically, what you think needs to be changed.
Focus on possible solutions, rather than the problem, such as: "Have you considered ..." "What if the main character ..." or "I like it when the hero ..."
3. Be specific -
"I really loved it!" or "I thought the plot was boring." are not much help to the author.
Author Connie Flynn advises that we avoid "Why did you ...?" comments. "Why" questions tend to put people on the defensive. Her (adapted) alternatives:
1. Be honest -
Be prepared to answer the author's questions clearly but constructively, even if your response is critical or negative. They're asking because they want and need to know.
2. Be thoughtful -
Mean what you say, say what you mean, but don't say it mean!
The Beta Reader's role is to provide constructive criticism without being deliberately or carelessly hurtful. "Your plot is dreadful," or "I thought your main character was absolutely idiotic" may leave the author feeling hurt and defensive, and it won't tell them, specifically, what you think needs to be changed.
Focus on possible solutions, rather than the problem, such as: "Have you considered ..." "What if the main character ..." or "I like it when the hero ..."
3. Be specific -
"I really loved it!" or "I thought the plot was boring." are not much help to the author.
Author Connie Flynn advises that we avoid "Why did you ...?" comments. "Why" questions tend to put people on the defensive. Her (adapted) alternatives:
- I don't understand (whatever it is).
- This detail seems (to slow the pace, to be unnecessary, etc.)
- The (character, setting, etc.) is coming across (feisty, depressing, important, etc). Is that what you intended?
- Did you want to convey (irritation, happiness, whatever)?
- Wasn't (John a blue-eyed man, Sally submissive, etc.) in Chapter (XX)? - Used to point out inconsistency.
- Carol's (motivation, goal, etc.) seems to be ___. Is that correct?
- And most important: I really liked ___. - End your feedback with a positive!
4. Observe deadlines -
While you may be doing the author a favor, they're depending on your feedback and probably have deadlines to meet which can't easily be altered. Once you agree to a deadline, keep it, or let the author know as soon as possible if you can't.
5. Respect the author's:
It is expected that you will not share what you've read nor use it in any other format or forum, public or private. Beta readers will not comment publicly, nor review, nor offer opinions regarding this work in progress.
If a beta reader would like to read and review the finished (ARC) manuscript, they should buy the book or make arrangements with the author.
While you may be doing the author a favor, they're depending on your feedback and probably have deadlines to meet which can't easily be altered. Once you agree to a deadline, keep it, or let the author know as soon as possible if you can't.
5. Respect the author's:
- Vision -
- Autonomy -
- Trust -
It is expected that you will not share what you've read nor use it in any other format or forum, public or private. Beta readers will not comment publicly, nor review, nor offer opinions regarding this work in progress.
If a beta reader would like to read and review the finished (ARC) manuscript, they should buy the book or make arrangements with the author.
What if . . .?
- I choose not to finish the piece?
- I notice grammar and spelling errors?
- I don't like a scene or a character?
If you think this sounds like something you are able and would be happy to do, please Contact me. I'll send you a Google Form to fill out so we can match you with stories in your preferred genre.
If you would like some suggestions for feedback, let me know in your Contact form, and I'll send you a link to the Google Doc I created!
